Performance Day!

Chloe's summer of baton and flag practice paid off today!  She had her big performance!  What a riot to watch!  And notice Miss Smiles!  I asked her if they were told to smile and her response was, "Well of course mom, when you perform you MUST smile!"

Soccer Mom Strikes Again

Caleb is in his second year of soccer - it is something he thoroughly enjoys and we love to see him doing his own thing!  I took some pictures today with the overcast sky - it was perfect picture weather!

Soccer in Iowa - LOVE that background!

Pasadena Rose Bowl - Here we are!!

Hope the guys are having great fun!!  Only wish we could have been there with them!  But what a wonderful opportunity and something I hope they NEVER forget!

We have texted everyday while they've been gone so we feel a part even from back here!  AND I begged for pics of which I have received 2 - yes, BOYS!!

This one is one I'm quite proud of - NOT -  it proves they were at Disney, but yes, it's the back of Caleb's head.  :)

 

This one I stole from another band parent - but I do like it!

 

Marching in Disney!

 

My GOOD son, that faces the camera, in Universal!!! :)

 

I stole this one too - but how fun to get to see them on TV!!

 

Watching from home!!!  YEAH Pride of the Dutchmen Marching Band!!

 

Yep - they were famous, alright!!

 

What a fun, fun day!  Now, just to hear how their feet fared!!

Our Sunshine....

 No matter the face - this girl brings us much joy!!

Love her many faces and SMILES!!!!

The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

This gift - led to this....

HOURS of fun - and I do mean HOURS!  And MOST of it was fun!!!  Grandma, Dad and Mom were nearly loony - but hey, if we use it once a year, it's still a good purchase, right!?!?!  :)

Christmas Greetings from our Family

Christmas Greetings 2012

Yearly Tradition!!

Merry Christmas to All from All of Us!!

Decking the Halls....

It was the day to get festive over here...

 

We have some of the best branch fluffers ever!!!  (Of course, they've been taught by the best!)

 

 

 

 

And just a little bit of holiday cheer!!!! 

3 Years Ago Today....

...Her little world was turned upside down....

...And our family changed forever.....

We love you Jada and are SO glad we "got you"!!!

Another 16 year old!

Today Caleb turns 16 - honestly, there is no way we are old enough for this!!!
But we are OH SO glad to have him as ours!!  I think almost everyday I STILL thank God for choosing to let us keep our little 9 month old baby that we were told would never leave the hospital!  SO glad God had a bigger plan!

Caleb - we pray for you daily that God uses you mightily!  We love you - Happy Birthday!

First Day of School

The girls were SUPER excited....

(Jada - Kindergarten, Chloe - 3rd Grade)

The boys not so much.....

(Micah - Junior, Caleb - Sophomore, Aaron - Freshman)

 



Praying for a great year for all of them!!

Survived Another Band Camp

Yes - we all know when our summer is coming to an end - it's when band camp rolls around.  So July 30 was the start of the big week - the all day band camp - for high school band!  The sunburns strike - the heat wave overtakes - yep, it was true again this year too.  From 9 am to 9 pm (with short breaks for lunch and supper) the kids practice their songs and their field marching.  They are troopers!!  SO, the boys have bravely endured, once again, and at the end - THE PRIZE!!

 Notice those colorful cheeks and arms!!

We think our cake lady is AMAZING!!!  Thank you, Sara!



8 Years Old - UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

We were given a precious gift....

Where did the time go?

Where did this little girl go??

Or this one??

I miss each stage that you went through....

You are such a blessing!!

And as much as I miss seeing you little - I love to see you grow!!

Love you girlie - Happy 8th Birthday!!!